I know there’s a lot of questions about this, but I’m trying to figure out whether I should go to one of these schools for mechanical engineering, but I am unsure. My only concern is the scholastic matters of each.
Ive heard SDSU is more hands on and UCSD is more theoretical, making SDSU a better choice, however I’m not entirely sure of either.
Plus I need to figure out if I should begin taking engineering classes in community college because I’ve heard that the more you have before applying to SDSU the better chance that you will get accepted, whereas at UCSD none of them even transfer, so I need to sort these things out.
I would aim for both schools and see where you end up getting accepted. When it comes to Engineering, both will have hands on projects so I really do not see that there will be a difference in approach. What do you get at SDSU, will be more Professor’s teaching the classes vs. TA’s at UCSD. You will get a great education at both places, so your priority should be doing well at your CC and getting in.
So do you have the list of transfer requirements for each school?
Taking extra recommended major prep classes for the both schools will give you an advantage, but completing all of the required transfer courses are a must.
SDSU ME courses: https://curriculum.sdsu.edu/catalog/2017-2018/GeneralCatalog/105_Mechanical%20Engineering.pdf
SDSU ME transfer course requirements:
https://sunspot.sdsu.edu/pubred/!tap.disp
UCSD Major pre-prep Transfer requirements:
Following California’s Master Plan for Higher Education, the Jacobs School of Engineering gives high priority to students transferring from California community colleges.
It is highly recommended that transfer students complete the following courses for engineering majors.
Calculus I (Math 20A)
Calculus II (Math 20B)
Calculus and Analytic Geometry (Math 20C)
Differential Equations (Math 20D)
Linear Algebra (Math 18)
Calculus-based physics series with lab experience (Physics 2ABC)
General Chemistry (Chemistry 6A)
Highest level of introductory computer programming language course offered at the community college.
UCSD expects most transfers for ME to complete the degree in 3 years.
http://maeweb.ucsd.edu/sites/mae.ucsd.edu/files/Transfer%203%20year%20plan%20June%202017_0.pdf
Have you used assist.org to see which “engineering” courses articulate to each campus? All the major prep will transfer so a few Engineering courses may or may not make a difference.
However, if you have more Engineering courses that articulate to SDSU curriculum, then your time spent to complete your degree could be less at SDSU which will be a monetary advantage.